US20060236487A1 - Floor mat system - Google Patents
Floor mat system Download PDFInfo
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- US20060236487A1 US20060236487A1 US11/471,309 US47130906A US2006236487A1 US 20060236487 A1 US20060236487 A1 US 20060236487A1 US 47130906 A US47130906 A US 47130906A US 2006236487 A1 US2006236487 A1 US 2006236487A1
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- Prior art keywords
- floor mat
- pad
- chamber
- liquid
- mat system
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L23/00—Cleaning footwear
- A47L23/22—Devices or implements resting on the floor for removing mud, dirt, or dust from footwear
- A47L23/26—Mats or gratings combined with brushes ; Mats
- A47L23/266—Mats
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Abstract
A floor mat system for delivering a liquid to an object includes a base defining a first chamber and a pad positioned in the first chamber. The pad includes a first layer configured to suspend the liquid and a second layer configured to dispense a liquid.
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/692,294, entitled “Floor Mat System,” filed on Jun. 20, 2005 by Michael T. Dean. This application is also a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/087,887, entitled “Anti-Microbial Floor Mat,” filed Mar. 23, 2005 by Michael T. Dean, which is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,215, entitled “Anti-Microbial Floor Mat,” issued May 3, 2005 to Michael T. Dean, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/311,011, entitled “Anti-Microbial Floor Mat,” filed Aug. 8, 2001 by Michael T. Dean.
- Floor mats have long been used to clean the soles of a person's feet or shoes before entering a building or room. Typically these mats are placed on the ground in front of doors and entryways. These mats are often made of abrasive materials to promote the removal of debris when someone wipes his or her feet across the surface of the mat.
- In one embodiment, the invention provides a floor mat system for delivering a liquid to an object. The system includes a base defining a first chamber and a pad positioned in the first chamber. The pad includes a first layer configured to suspend the liquid and a second layer configured to dispense a liquid.
- In another embodiment, the invention provides a floor mat system for cleaning or detecting a substance on an object. The system includes a base defining a first chamber and a second chamber. A first pad is positioned in the first chamber, the first pad including a liquid absorption layer and a liquid delivery layer. A second pad is positioned in the second chamber, the second pad including a liquid drying material. The first pad delivers a liquid to the object when the object compresses the first pad and the liquid drying material dries the object when the object contacts the second pad.
- One embodiment of the present invention provides a floor mat system for placement near an entryway, security checkpoint, or embarkation/debarkation point to permit the detection and mitigation of specific compounds disposed on shoe soles and other surfaces contacting the mat. In particular, one embodiment of the floor mat system is directed toward detecting a specific chemical and/or biological compounds and hazards, and another embodiment of the floor mat system is directed toward disinfecting and cleaning of shoe soles and other surfaces directly contacting the floor mat.
- Another embodiment of the floor mat system includes a frame having a top portion being of an absorbent fiber construction, a hollow center portion, a floor portion, and sidewalls. The hollow center portion contains either a detection component or a cleaning component such that the component may be communicated to the top portion of the mat for translation to objects contacting the floor mat pieces.
- In one embodiment the hollow center portion of the floor mat system is completely enclosed and a detection component (e.g., audio, visual, etc.) or a cleaning component is introduced to the top portion of the mat by capillary action. Alternatively, a separate enclosed package containing the component is used such that the liquid is introduced to the top portion in a pressure action that may be activated by weight on the top layer. The floor mat system may also be integrated into other flooring or carpet. The top portion of the mat is comprised of a fiber portion or other material that provides wicking action and is semi-absorbent or not absorbent depending on the application.
- In one embodiment a plurality of support bars are positioned in the chamber to provide additional strength to the floor mat and structurally stiffen a base of the mat. In another embodiment, a fluid absorbent pad or pads are is positioned within the hollow center portion of the floor mat such that the detection or cleaning component is introduced to the top portion in a pressure action activated by weight on the top of the floor mat. In still another embodiment, an aperture is formed in the floor mat frame for allowing the component to be introduced into the hollow center portion. Further, an intake plug selectively closes the aperture to maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- In other embodiments, the floor mat system includes a moisture absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, anti-microbial composition (such as anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, or the like), or a fragrance. Further, anti-slip features associated with the top surface of the floor mat prevent a person or animal from slipping on the floor mat. Anti-slip features may also be associated with the bottom and side surfaces of the floor mat to prevent the floor mat itself from slipping along the floor or ground. In yet another embodiment, a sensor is integrated with the floor mat to indicate the floor mat system requires refill of the component. In still another embodiment, the floor mat is integrated in a multi-piece system wherein each mat performs a separate function, the same function, or steps of a function, such as cleaning large particulate material, detecting a specific compound, cleaning a specific compound, providing an alarm or sensor response, washing, or drying.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings.
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FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the floor mat system shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the floor mat system shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view of the floor mat system shown inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is an illustration of a multiple piece floor mat system utilizing a floor mat of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the floor mat system of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a top view of a base of the floor mat system shown inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 is a section view of the base of the floor mat system taken along line 17-17 ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18A is a top view of a drying pad of the floor mat system shown inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 18B is a side view of a drying pad of the floor mat system shown inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 19A is a top view of a dispensing and metering pad of the floor mat system shown inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 19B is a side view of a dispensing and metering pad of the floor mat system shown inFIG. 15 . - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
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FIG. 1 illustrates afloor mat 10 of the present invention. Thefloor mat 10 includes aframe 12, amembrane 14 configured to contain detection or cleaning component, a fluidpermeable backing 18, and an absorbenttop portion 22. In a preferred embodiment, the detection or cleaning component is a liquid solution, although as discussed below in further embodiments other components may be used. Although the absorbenttop portion 22 shown inFIG. 1 is comprised of a carpet fiber, in other embodiments, thetop portion 22 may be comprised of other fibrous materials, or other material that provides wicking action and is semi-absorbent or not absorbent depending on the application. - The
frame 12 is configured to support themembrane 14 such that themembrane 14 generally conforms to the shape of theframe 12. Theframe 12 may be of any suitable construction that will rigidly support themembrane 14 and other components of thefloor mat 10. Themembrane 14 includes anupper surface 26 having a plurality ofsprayheads 30 defined therein. Thesprayheads 30 are characterized by a plurality ofholes 34 in theupper surface 26 of themembrane 14. Thesprayheads 30 may be arranged into rows and columns extending between the edges of theupper surface 26 or may be randomly spaced along theupper surface 26. Thebacking 18 is coupled to theupper surface 26 of themembrane 14 and provides a fluid permeable layer between the sprayheads 30 and thefiber portion 22. Thefiber portion 22 includes a plurality ofindividual fibers 24 coupled to themesh backing 18. Both thebacking 18 and thefiber portion 22 extend across substantially the entire length and width of theframe 12 to cover themembrane 14 and form a single,continuous floor mat 10. - When an object (e.g., the foot of a person or animal) is placed onto an
upper surface 31 of thefloor mat 10 defined by thefiber portion 22, including themembrane 14 filled with a detection or cleaning component, the weight of the object on thefloor mat 10 causes the internal pressure in themembrane 14 to increase. The increase in pressure causes the component to be expelled from themembrane 14 and through thesprayheads 30 in theupper surface 26. The component flows through thebacking 18 and is absorbed by thefiber portion 22. The component is absorbed by thefibers 24 of thefiber portion 22 and theupper surface 31 of thefiber portion 22 becomes moist with component. As the object moves across thefloor mat 10, the component is transferred from thefibers 24 of thefiber portion 22 to surfaces of the object that contact thefloor mat 10. - Referring now also to
FIGS. 2-4 , another embodiment of afloor mat 38 of the present invention is shown. Thefloor mat 38 includes a substantiallyrigid frame 42, asprayhead layer 46, and acarpet fiber portion 50 including an integral fluidpermeable backing 54. Thebase 42 includes a recessedarea 58 configured to receive a disposable component-containing cartridge 62 (not shown inFIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, thebase 42 includes acartridge opening 60 defined in a side of the base 42 to facilitate the insertion and removal of thecartridge 62. Thesprayhead layer 46 includes a plurality of sprayheads (not shown, but similar to sprayheads 30) configured to puncture thecartridge 62 and provide fluid communication between thecartridge 62 and thefiber portion 50. Thefiber portion 50 and fluidpermeable backing 54 are of similar construction as thefiber portion 22 and thebacking 18. - When an object (e.g., the foot of a person or animal) is placed onto an
upper surface 64 of thefloor mat 38, the weight of the object forces thesprayhead layer 46 against thecartridge 62, thereby puncturing the cartridge. The weight of the object also increases the internal pressure in thecartridge 62 such that the detection or cleaning component is expelled from thecartridge 62. The component flows through thesprayhead layer 46 and fluidpermeable backing 54 and is absorbed by thefiber portion 50. The component is absorbed by the fibers of thefiber portion 50 and theupper surface 64 of thefiber portion 50 becomes moist with the component. As the object moves across thefloor mat 38, the component is transferred from the fibers to surfaces of the object that contact thefloor mat 38. When all of the component has been expelled from thecartridge 62, the spentcartridge 62 is removed from thebase 42 and discarded. Anew cartridge 62 is then inserted into the recessedarea 58 of the base. In another embodiment, thecartridge 62 may take on the form of a detection or cleaning component-containing tray. In this form, thesprayhead layer 46 construction may be simplified because it is no longer necessary to puncture thecartridge 62. - The
cartridge 62 contains either a detection component or a cleaning component, which in the preferred embodiment is a solution. The detection component is configured to detect a specific compound that may be located on the object placed onto thefloor mat 38. The cleaning component is configured to clean a specific compound that may be located on the object placed onto thefloor mat 38. It should be readily apparent that a variety of components may be configured or used to detect or clean a multitude of specific chemical or biological hazards, including, but not limited to, compounds, class of compounds, elements, class of elements, material, organisms, antibodies, or the like. -
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein afloor mat 66 takes on a “one-piece” construction. Thefloor mat 66 includes a substantiallyrigid base 70 that defines a detection or cleaning component-containingchamber 74. Thebase 70 includes anupper wall 78, sidewalls 80, and alower wall 82. Onesidewall 80 includes anaperture 86 defined therein communicating with thechamber 74. Theaperture 86 is configured to allow the solution to be injected or otherwise introduced into thechamber 74 as required while maintaining a substantially fluid tight seal when the component is not being introduced into thechamber 74. As described below with respect toFIG. 10 , in one embodiment, an intake knob seals theaperture 86 to provide a fluid tight seal when theaperture 86 is not in use. Afiber portion 90 including an integral fluidpermeable backing 94 are placed in arecess 98 defined in theupper wall 78. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower wall 82 includes a plurality ofribs 100 to structurally stiffen thebase 70. - The
fiber portion 90 includes a plurality offibers 102, for example, the type generally used in carpet or walk-on mats. As discussed below, the fibers provide wicking action and are semi-absorbent or not absorbent depending on the application. Thefibers 102 are arranged in a U-shape and include afixed end 106 and afree end 110. Thefixed end 106 is generally fixed to the fluidpermeable backing 94. Theupper wall 78 includes a fluid-conductinglayer 112 that allows the solution to pass from thechamber 74 to therecess 98 where it may be absorbed by thefiber portion 90 and conveyed to the free ends 110 of thefibers 102 by capillary action. Therecess 98 and theupper wall 78 are configured such that the fixed ends 106 of thefibers 102 are submerged in the component when thechamber 74 is filled. As such, the free ends 110 of thefiber portion 90 are substantially continuously moist with the detection or cleaning component. -
FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention similar to the embodiment shown and described inFIG. 5 . Afloor mat 114 shown inFIG. 6 eliminates the fluidpermeable backing 94 and the fluid-conductinglayer 112. Thefloor mat 114 includes a base 118 having anupper wall 122, alower wall 126, and sidewalls 130 defining achamber 132.Fibers 134 of thefloor mat 114 are coupled directly to theupper wall 122 such that fixed ends 138 of thefibers 134 extend below theupper wall 122 andfree ends 142 of thefibers 134 extend above theupper wall 122. Similar to thefloor mat 66 ofFIG. 5 , the fixed ends 138 are submerged in solution when thechamber 132 is filled such that the free ends 142 are continually moist due to capillary action within thefibers 134. Thefloor mat 114 also includes anaperture 146 defined in one of thesidewalls 130, for introducing a detection or cleaning component into thechamber 132. -
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of afloor mat 150 embodying the present invention. The floor mat shown inFIG. 7 is similar to thefloor mat 114 described above with respect toFIG. 6 . Thefloor mat 150 includes a base 154 having anupper wall 158,sidewalls 162, and alower wall 166. The substantiallyrigid base 154 defines a detection component or a cleaning component-containingchamber 170. In another embodiment, one sidewall includes an aperture defined therein and communicating with thechamber 170 to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into thechamber 170. Afiber portion 174 is positioned in arecess 182 defined in theupper wall 158. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of bridge supports 186 are positioned within thechamber 170 to provide additional strength to thefloor mat 150 and structurally stiffen the base. Eachsupport 186 extends between theupper wall 158 and thelower wall 166 of thebase 154, and includes a plurality of apertures 190 therein for allowing solution within thechamber 170 to flow therethrough. - The
fiber portion 174 includes a plurality offibers 194, for example the type generally used in carpet or walk-on mats. Thefibers 194 are arranged in a U-shape and include afixed end 198 and afree end 202. Thefixed end 198 is generally coupled to theupper wall 158. Theupper wall 158 includes a fluid-conducting layer that allows the component to pass from thechamber 170 to therecess 182 where it may be absorbed by thefiber portion 174 and conveyed to the free ends 202 of thefibers 194 by capillary action. Therecess 182 in theupper wall 158 is configured such that the fixed ends 198 of thefibers 194 are submerged in the component when thechamber 170 is filled. As such, the free ends 202 of thefiber portion 174 are substantially continuously moist with the detection component or cleaning component. - It should be readily apparent that the bridge supports 186 illustrated in
FIG. 7 may be adapted for use in other embodiments of the floor mat system to provide additional support to the floor mat and structurally stiffen the base. - Referring now to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , another embodiment of afloor mat 210 of the present invention is shown. Thefloor mat 210 includes a substantiallyrigid frame 214, a semi-absorbent fluidpermeable backing 218, and afiber portion 222. Theframe 214 includes areservoir area 226, or chamber configured to receive a semi-absorbent pad 230 (shown inFIG. 9 ) for receiving a detection component or a cleaning component. In the illustrated embodiment, theframe 214 includes apad opening 234 defined in a side of theframe 214 to facilitate insertion and removal of thepad 230. Thepad 230 is inserted into theopening 234 of theframe 214 and positioned in thereservoir area 226 as shown inFIG. 9 . In use, thefiber portion 222 and fluidpermeable backing 218 are connected and positioned on top of theframe 214. - When an object (e.g., the foot of a person or animal) is placed onto an
upper surface 238 of thefloor mat 210, the weight of the object forces thefiber portion 222, and in particular the fluidpermeable backing 218, against theabsorbent pad 230. The weight of the object also increases the internal pressure of thepad 230 such that the detection or cleaning component absorbed into thepad 230 is discharged from thepad 230 and is fluidly transferred to thebacking 218 of thefloor mat 210. The component flows through thepad 230 and thebacking 218 and is absorbed by thefiber portion 222 such that theupper surface 238 of thefloor mat 210 becomes moist with the component. As the object moves across thefloor mat 210, the component is transferred from thefiber portion 222 to surfaces of the object that contact thefloor mat 210. When the entire component has been expelled from thepad 230, thepad 230 is removed from theframe 214 and discarded. A new pad is then inserted into thereservoir area 226 of theframe 214. In another embodiment, additional detection or cleaning component is introduced into thereservoir area 226 of theframe 214 to remoisten thepad 230 positioned within thereservoir 226. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the pad may be replaced or remoistened without the entire component being expelled from the pad. -
FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of afloor mat 242 of the present invention, in particular an embodiment that includes anabsorbent pad 246. Thefloor mat 242 includes a substantiallyrigid base 250 that defines a detection or cleaning component-containingchamber 254. Thebase 250 includes anupper wall 258, sidewalls 262 (although only one sidewall is shown inFIG. 10 ), and alower wall 266. At least onesidewall 262 includes anaperture 270 defined therein and communicating with thechamber 254. Theaperture 270 is configured to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into thechamber 254. In addition, anintake plug 274 selectively closes theaperture 270 to maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal when the component is not being introduced into thechamber 254. - A plurality of support bars 278 extend horizontally through the
chamber 254 of thefloor mat 242 and are positioned on thelower wall 266 of thebase 250. Theabsorbent pad 246 is supported by the support bars 278 and positioned between the support bars 278 and theupper wall 258 of thebase 250. When the detection or cleaning component is introduced into thechamber 254, the component is absorbed by thepad 246. A fluidpermeable backing 282 is positioned between thepad 246 and theupper wall 258 of thebase 250.Fibers 286 of thefloor mat 242 are coupled directly to theupper wall 258 such that fixed ends 290 of thefibers 286 extend below theupper wall 258 andfree ends 294 of thefibers 286 extend above theupper wall 258. The fixed ends 290 are submerged in the component when thechamber 254 is filled and thepad 246 and thebacking 282 have absorbed a sufficient amount of the component. The free ends 294 of thefibers 286 are continually moist due to capillary action within thefibers 286. - When an object is placed onto an upper surface of the
floor mat 242, the weight of the object forces the fluidpermeable backing 282 against theabsorbent pad 246. The weight of the object also increases internal pressure within thepad 246 such that the component is discharged from thepad 246 and flows through thepad 246 and the fluidpermeable backing 282 to be absorbed by thefiber 286. The component absorbed by thefibers 286 and theupper surface 242 of thefloor mat 242 becomes moist with the component. As the object moves across thefloor mat 242, the component is transferred from thefibers 242 to surfaces of the object that contact thefloor mat 242. -
FIG. 11 is another embodiment of afloor mat 300 of the present invention, including anabsorbent pad 304. Thefloor mat 300 includes a substantiallyrigid base 308 that defines a detection component or a cleaning component-containingchamber 312. Thebase 308 includes anupper wall 316,sidewalls 320, and alower wall 324. One sidewall includes anaperture 328 defined therein and communicating with thechamber 312 to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into thechamber 312. Afiber portion 332 including an integral fluidpermeable backing 336 is placed in arecess 340 defined by theupper wall 316. Thelower wall 324 includes a plurality ofribs 344 to structurally stiffen thebase 308. In addition, at least onesupport bar 348 is positioned within thechamber 312 and adjacent to the plurality ofribs 344 to further structurally stiffen thebase 308 and provide additional support for thefloor mat 300. Theabsorbent pad 304 is supported by thesupport bar 348 and positioned in thechamber 312 for absorbing and discharging the detection component or cleaning component deposited into thechamber 312. - The
fiber portion 332 includes a plurality offibers 352 arranged into an S-shape to include fixed ends 356 and free ends 360. The fixed ends 256 are generally fixed to the fluidpermeable backing 336. Theupper wall 316 includes a fluid-conducting layer that allows the component to pass from thechamber 312 to therecess 340. The component is absorbed by thefiber portion 332 and conveyed to the free ends 360 of thefibers 352 by capillary action. - In operation, when an object is placed onto an upper surface 364 of the
floor mat 300, the weight of the object forces the fluid-conductinglayer 316, or upper wall, against theabsorbent pad 304 within thechamber 312, which increases internal pressure in theabsorbent pad 304 and causes to discharge detection or cleaning component from thepad 304. The component flows through the fluid-conductinglayer 316 and the fluidpermeable backing 336 to be absorbed by thefiber portion 332. The component is absorbed by thefibers 352 of thefiber portion 332 and the upper surface 364 of thefiber portion 332 is moistened by the component. As the object moves across thefloor mat 300, the component is transferred from thefibers 352 to surfaces of the object that contact thefloor mat 300. When a portion of the component is discharged from thechamber 312 and theabsorbent pad 304, theabsorbent pad 304 may be removed from thebase 308 and discarded. Alternatively, additional detection or cleaning component is deposited into thechamber 312 of the base 308 through theaperture 328 to refill thechamber 312 and remoisten thepad 304. -
FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of afloor mat 370 of the present invention, including anabsorbent pad 374 and similar to the embodiment shown and described inFIG. 6 . Thefloor mat 370 includes a substantiallyrigid base 378 having anupper wall 382, alower wall 386, and sidewalls 390 (only one sidewall is shown inFIG. 12 ) that defined a detection component and cleaningcomponent containing chamber 394. Thefloor mat 370 includes a plurality offibers 398 coupled directly to theupper wall 382 of the base 378 such that fixed ends 402 of thefibers 398 extend below theupper wall 382 andfree ends 406 of thefibers 398 extend above theupper wall 382. The fluidabsorbent pad 374 is positioned within thechamber 394 for absorbing the component deposited within thechamber 394. Fixed ends 402 of thefibers 398 are submerged in the component when thechamber 394 is filled such that the free ends 406 are continually moist due to capillary action within thefibers 398. - When an object is placed onto an upper surface of the
floor mat 370, the weight of the object forces the fixed ends 402 of thefibers 398 into contact with theabsorbent pad 374 discharged. The weight of the object increases internal pressure in thepad 374 such that the component is discharged from thepad 374 and absorbed by thefibers 378, which are moistened by the component. As the object moves across thefloor mat 370, the component is transferred from thefibers 398 to surfaces of the object that contact thefloor mat 370. - One
sidewall 390 includes anaperture 414 defined therein for communicating with thechamber 394. Theaperture 414 is configured to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into thechamber 394. In another embodiment, an intake knob is selectively positioned within theaperture 414 to provide a fluid-tight seal when theaperture 414 is not in use. When a portion of the component has been discharged from theabsorbent pad 374, additional detection or cleaning component is deposited into thechamber 374 through theaperture 414 to remoisten thepad 374. -
FIG. 13 is another embodiment of afloor mat 420 of the present invention. Thefloor mat 420 includes a substantiallyrigid base 424 that defines a detection or cleaningcomponent containing chamber 428. Thebase 424 includes anupper wall 432, sidewalls 436 (although only one sidewall is shown inFIG. 13 ), and alower wall 440, wherein onesidewall 436 includes anaperture 444 defined therein for communicating with thechamber 428. Theaperture 444 is configured to allow the component to be injected or otherwise introduced into thechamber 428. In another embodiment, an intake knob selectively seals theaperture 444 to provide a fluid-tight seal when theaperture 444 is not in use. - A support bar 448 is positioned within the
chamber 428 to structurally stiffen thefloor mat 420. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13 , the support bar 448 includes plurality ofcups 452 formed therein. Eachcup 452 includes anupper surface 456 having a plurality of sprayheads (not shown) defined therein. Sprayheads are characterized by a plurality of holes in theupper surface 456 of the support bar 448. - A plurality of
fibers 460 are coupled directly to theupper wall 432 of thefloor mat 420 and thefibers 460 are arranged into an S-shape. Fixed ends 464 of thefibers 460 extend below theupper wall 432 andfree ends 468 of thefibers 460 extend above theupper wall 432. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper wall 432 includes a fluid-conducting layer that allows the component to pass from thechamber 428 to arecess 472 defined by theupper wall 432 where the component is absorbed by thefibers 460 and conveyed to the free ends 468 of thefibers 460 by capillary action. - In the illustrated embodiment, when an object is placed onto an upper surface 476 of the
floor mat 420, the weight of the object forces theupper wall 432, i.e., the fluid-conducting layer, against thecups 452, thereby compressing thecups 452. The weight of the object increases internal pressure of thecups 452 such that that the component is discharged from thecups 452. The component flows through the sprayheads of thecups 452 and the fluid-conductingupper wall 432 to be absorbed by thefibers 460. The component is absorbed by thefibers 460 and the upper surface 476 of thefloor mat 420 is moistened by the component. When a portion of the component has been expelled from thecups 452, additional detection or cleaning component is deposited into thechamber 428 through theaperture 444 to refill thecups 452. In another embodiment, the support bar 448 is removable from thebase 424. Thus, once all the component is discharged from thecups 452, the support bar 448 is removed from thebase 428 and a new support bar with cups is inserted into thechamber 428. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a multi-piecefloor mat system 500 for placement near an entryway or other location within a facility. Thesystem 500 illustrated inFIG. 14 includes three separate mats positioned in series. Afirst floor mat 504 is used for removing large particulate material from an object as it passes over thefloor mat 504. The object can include the foot of a person or an animal, or other device that must travel over the mat prior to entry to a building or other location. After passing over thefirst mat 504, the object passes over asecond floor mat 508. Thesecond mat 508 embodies the present invention floor mat for detecting or cleaning specific hazards from an object. As discussed above, thefloor mat 508 transfers a detection component or a cleaning component from a chamber within the mat to an object that passes over the mat to either detect or clean a chemical and/or biological hazard from the object. After the object passes over thesecond mat 508, the object is typically wet from the component that is transferred from the mat to the object. The object then passes over a walk-offfloor mat 512 to dry the object prior to the object proceeding to another location. - In one embodiment, at least the second floor mat can be sized to ensure that a person passing through an entryway must step on the floor mat. The length of the floor mat is sufficient such that a person cannot step over any section of the floor mat. In addition, the floor mat may be wide enough such that a person cannot step around the floor mat.
- In another embodiment of the multi-piece
floor mat system 500, the threefloor mats floor mat system 500, the system is comprised of two floor mats, either separated or connected together. In the two piece system, one floor mat embodies a floor mat of the present invention for detecting or cleaning specific compounds from an object. The other floor mat in a two piece system is a walk-off mat for drying the object after it passes across the first mat. Alternatively, the second floor mat is used for removing large particulate material from an object as it passes over the floor mat. - Other embodiments of the multi-piece
floor mat system 500 include additional sections of floor mats enabling detection and/or cleaning of multiple chemical and/or biological hazards from the object. The sections may be separate, connected, or a combination of both. In addition, other embodiments of a floor mat system are incorporated directly in a floor. For example, a floor mat system for detecting a chemical hazard is incorporated in a floor across a hallway leading to a security checkpoint at an airport. -
FIG. 15 illustrates and embodiment of a two-piecefloor mat system 600, similar to the system described above with respect toFIG. 14 . The two-piecefloor mat system 600 includes abase 605, a dispensing andmetering pad 610, and adrying pad 615.FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a top view and a cut-away view of thebase 605. - The
base 605 includes acontainment shell 617, adrying pad receiver 620, and anangled edge 625. Thecontainment shell 617 section of thebase 605 is surrounded by alipped edge 630. Thelipped edge 630 is configured to receive the dispensing andmetering pad 610 and to hold the dispensing andmetering pad 610 in position within thecontainment shell 617. - The
drying pad receiver 620 is configured to receive thedrying pad 615. In some embodiments, thedrying pad 615 is secured to thebase 605 by an adhesive. In other embodiments, thedrying pad 615 is removable for replacement or cleaning, whereby thedrying pad 615 may be held in place by its weight or a temporary fastener (e.g., Velcro®). - To assemble the
floor mat system 600, the dispensing andmetering pad 610 is inserted in thecontainment shell 617 and the edges of the dispensing andmetering pad 610 are tucked under thelipped edges 630 of thecontainment shell 617. The cleaning or detecting solution is added to thecontainment shell 617 before the dispensing andmetering pad 610 is inserted into thecontainment shell 617, or is poured on top of the dispensing andmetering pad 610 after the dispensing andmetering pad 610 is inserted into thecontainment shell 617. -
FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an embodiment of thedrying pad 615. Thedrying pad 615 dries or removes solution from the soles of shoes that have passed over the dispensing andmetering pad 610 and have been wetted by the solution. Drying the soles of the shoes reduces a risk of a person slipping and falling due to their shoes being wet. In the illustrated embodiment, thedrying pad 615 includes abacking material 640 and acarpet fiber layer 645. Thecarpet fiber layer 645 can be constructed of polypropylene or nylon, or the like. In one embodiment, thecarpet fiber layer 645 is needle punched into thebacking material 640 and the resultingcarpet fiber layer 645 is about 0.5 inches thick. Other embodiments of thedrying pad 615 include sewn materials, woven materials, or other materials suitable for drying or removing the solution from the soles of shoes that have passed over the dispensing andmetering pad 610 and have been wetted by the solution. -
FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate an embodiment of the dispensing andmetering pad 610. The dispensing andmetering pad 610 includes afluid conducting layer 650 and afluid suspension layer 655. Thefluid suspension layer 655 is constructed of an absorbent material that is impervious to the solution (e.g., an open cell urethane), and in one embodiment is about 0.375 inches thick. The material of thepad 610 is selected based on a viscosity of the selected detecting or cleaning solution. In use, thefluid suspension layer 655 absorbs the solution and becomes saturated. When pressure is applied to thefluid suspension layer 655, thefluid suspension layer 655 is unable to retain all of the solution and releases a portion of the retained solution. The quantity of solution released is dependent upon the level of saturation of thefluid suspension layer 655. Some of the released solution is available to thefluid conducting layer 650 for delivery to an object as is described below. - The
fluid conducting layer 650 is constructed of a water impermeable material that is impervious to the solution (e.g., styrene butadiene “SBR” rubber), and in one embodiment is about 0.0625 inches thick. In the illustrated embodiment, thefluid conducting layer 650 includes a plurality ofholes 660. Theholes 660 are sized and spaced on thefluid conducting layer 650 to meter, based on the viscosity of the detecting or cleaning solution, a controlled quantity of the solution released from thefluid suspension layer 655 when pressure is applied to anupper surface 665 of thefluid conducting layer 650. In one embodiment, thefluid suspension layer 655 and thefluid conducting layer 650 are bonded together using heat and a no glue bond. - When an object (e.g., a foot of a person) is placed onto the
upper surface 665 of thefluid conducting layer 650, the weight of the object compresses thefluid suspension layer 655, thereby releasing some of the solution suspended in thefluid suspension layer 655 into theholes 660 approximate the area where the weight is applied. A portion of the released solution flows through theholes 660 and onto theupper surface 665 of thefluid conducting layer 650. The solution on theupper surface 665 of thefluid conducting layer 650 is then transferred to a portion of an object that comes in contact with the solution (e.g., the sole a shoe). - In the illustrated embodiment, the
angled edge 625 extends around an outer periphery of thebase 605. The base 605 may be constructed out of material (e.g., recycled rubber) that is impervious to the cleaning or detecting solution. The material is also capable of containing the solution and not allowing the solution to escape thecontainment shell 617. - In each of the above described embodiments, the solution in a floor mat diminishes over time due to use and evaporation. The rate that the solution diminishes can be determined to establish when the solution should be replaced (e.g., after 5000 steps or 2 months). In some embodiments of a floor mat of the present invention, a sensor is integrated with the floor mat. The sensor is adapted for indicating when a level of the solution has diminished and more solution should be added, when a cartridge containing the solution is empty and should be replaced, or when a pad containing the solution should be replaced or remoistened. Types of sensors include a change of color indication (e.g., a logo that changes color when solution needs to added to the floor mat), an audible alarm, and an electronic transmission (e.g., a Bluetooth compatible signal to indicate that solution needs to be added to the floor mat).
- In some embodiments, a floor mat includes an alert system interconnected with the floor mat. The alert system provides a visual, audio, color change or other alert when an object passing over the floor mat includes a specific chemical and/or biological hazard the component is configured to detect. It should be readily apparent that the sensor or alert system may be part of the multi-piece floor mat system described above with respect to
FIGS. 14 and 15 , either as part of one of the floor mats or in addition to the floor mat system. For example, the object is contacted with a sensor as one step of the floor mat system. - Although several specific embodiments of the invention are described above and illustrated in the figures, the invention is capable of being practiced in a variety of ways. Generally, the floor mat includes a detection component or cleaning component that is contained within a chamber and is fluidly communicated with an absorbent upper surface. The component is then transferred to the soles of a person's feet, shoes, or to other objects that come into contact with the floor mat. The floor mat is reusable and refillable, either directly or indirectly by the component containing cartridge, container, or absorbent pad. In the embodiments discussed above, the floor mat utilizes a detection component or cleaning component configured to detect or clean a specific chemical or biological hazard, including, but not limited to, a compound, class of compounds, an element, class of elements, material, organism, antibody, or the like. Examples of the detection or cleaning component include, but are not limited to, a solution, compound, or mixture in a liquid, semi-solid (such as a gel, paste, or the like), solid, or vaporous form. In a preferred embodiment, the detection or cleaning component is a liquid solution.
- In some of the illustrated embodiments, the absorbent top portion of the floor mat is shown and described as comprised of carpet fiber. In further embodiments, the top portion may be comprised of other fibrous materials, or other material that provides wicking action and is semi-absorbent or not absorbent depending on the application. Examples of the fibrous material include, but are not limited to, nylon, olefin, natural fibers, or the like.
- Each above described embodiments may also include anti-skid construction on the side walls and lower walls to prevent excessive movement of the floor mat on the floor as well as anti-skid construction on the carpet portions to prevent a person from slipping on the floor mat. In another embodiment, the floor mat is integrally constructed with other portions of flooring or carpet surfaces. Cushioning material may also be utilized in each embodiment to provide a more comfortable surface upon which a person or animal steps. In one embodiment, the floor mat includes an anti-microbial component (including, but not limited to, an anti-fungal, anti-viral, or anti-bacterial component) in replacement of or in combination with a detection or cleaning component. Customized graphics may be applied to the mat to improve aesthetic appearance and various fragrances may also be used in conjunction with the solutions. Additionally, various aspects of each embodiment may be combined or interchanged with aspects found in other embodiments of the invention.
- The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A floor mat system for delivering a liquid to an object, the system comprising:
a base defining a first chamber;
a pad positioned in the first chamber, the pad including a first layer configured to suspend the liquid and a second layer configured to dispense a liquid.
2. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein when the object applies a pressure to the pad the pad delivers the liquid to the object.
3. The floor mat system of claim 1 , and further comprising a detection liquid for depositing in the first chamber, the detection liquid configured for detecting a compound on the object.
4. The floor mat system of claim 1 , and further comprising a cleaning liquid for depositing in the first chamber, the cleaning liquid configured for cleaning a compound from the object.
5. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the base defines a lip along an outer periphery of the first chamber, the lip configured for retaining the pad within the first chamber.
6. The floor mat system of claim 1 , and further comprising a second floor mat including a second base having a drying pad.
7. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the base further defines a second chamber and a drying pad is positioned within the second chamber.
8. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the second layer is constructed of a material impermeable by the liquid.
9. The floor mat system of claim 8 wherein the second layer includes a plurality of holes to dispense and meter the liquid from the first layer to the object.
10. The floor mat system of claim 1 , and further comprising an alert system.
11. The floor mat system of claim 9 wherein the alert system detects whether liquid is present in the first layer, the alert system including an element in contact with the first layer such that the element is a first color when the liquid is present and a second color when the liquid is not present.
12. The floor mat system of claim 9 wherein the alert system provides a signal communicated to an external device.
13. The floor mat system of claim 9 wherein the alert system provides an audible alarm.
14. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the second layer dispenses a controlled amount of the liquid to the object.
15. A floor mat system for cleaning or detecting a substance on an object, the system comprising:
a base defining a first chamber and a second chamber;
a first pad positioned in the first chamber, the first pad including a liquid absorption layer and a liquid delivery layer; and
a second pad positioned in the second chamber, the second pad including a liquid drying material.
wherein the first pad delivers a liquid to the object when the object compresses the first pad and the liquid drying material dries the object when the object contacts the second pad.
16. The floor mat system of claim 15 wherein the base defines at least one third chamber.
17. The floor mat system of claim 16 wherein a pad for removing large particulate matter is positioned in the at least one third chamber.
18. The floor mat system of claim 16 wherein at least one third pad is positioned in the at least one third chamber, the at least one third pad including a liquid absorption layer and a liquid delivery layer.
19. The floor mat system of claim 15 wherein when the object applies a pressure to the pad the first pad delivers the liquid to the object.
20. The floor mat system of claim 15 wherein the base defines a lip along an outer periphery of the first chamber, the lip configured for retaining the first pad within the first chamber.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/471,309 US20060236487A1 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2006-06-20 | Floor mat system |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US31100101P | 2001-08-08 | 2001-08-08 | |
US10/214,394 US6886210B2 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2002-08-07 | Anti-microbial floor mat |
US11/087,887 US20050160549A1 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2005-03-23 | Anti-microbial floor mat |
US69229405P | 2005-06-20 | 2005-06-20 | |
US11/471,309 US20060236487A1 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2006-06-20 | Floor mat system |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/087,887 Continuation-In-Part US20050160549A1 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2005-03-23 | Anti-microbial floor mat |
Publications (1)
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US20060236487A1 true US20060236487A1 (en) | 2006-10-26 |
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ID=37185312
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/471,309 Abandoned US20060236487A1 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2006-06-20 | Floor mat system |
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US (1) | US20060236487A1 (en) |
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US20110072748A1 (en) * | 2009-09-26 | 2011-03-31 | Sorbashock, Llc | Flooring apparatus and systems for improved reduction of impact forces during a fall |
CN102139654A (en) * | 2010-02-02 | 2011-08-03 | 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 | Floor mat |
USD666044S1 (en) * | 2010-05-27 | 2012-08-28 | Magnet Works, Ltd. | Frame for a modular anti-fatigue floor mat assembly |
FR3001884A1 (en) * | 2013-02-14 | 2014-08-15 | Generation Tech | Safety device for protecting e.g. sensitive building against contamination by germs carried by soles of shoes, has raised board for receiving microbicide liquid and covered by abrasive and absorbent sheet that is impregnated with liquid |
US9402529B1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2016-08-02 | Isaac S. Daniel | Doormat for dispensing fluid stored within |
US9622389B1 (en) * | 2007-06-14 | 2017-04-11 | Switch, Ltd. | Electronic equipment data center and server co-location facility configurations and method of using the same |
US9750164B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2017-08-29 | Switch, Ltd. | Facility including externally disposed data center air handling units |
US9788455B1 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2017-10-10 | Switch, Ltd. | Electronic equipment data center or co-location facility designs and methods of making and using the same |
US9795061B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-10-17 | Switch, Ltd. | Data center facility design configuration |
US9823715B1 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2017-11-21 | Switch, Ltd. | Data center air handling unit including uninterruptable cooling fan with weighted rotor and method of using the same |
US10028415B1 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2018-07-17 | Switch, Ltd. | Electronic equipment data center and server co-location facility configurations and method of using the same |
US10232398B2 (en) * | 2015-03-10 | 2019-03-19 | Clifton Toulson | Apparatus for protecting a surface |
US10271518B2 (en) | 2014-01-17 | 2019-04-30 | John S Greeson | Sensing mat for an animal treatment system |
US10582831B2 (en) * | 2017-10-19 | 2020-03-10 | Darren Mckeown | Doormat with changeable display and method therefor |
US10888034B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2021-01-05 | Switch, Ltd. | Air handling unit with a canopy thereover for use with a data center and method of using the same |
US20210030255A1 (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2021-02-04 | R&L Marketing & Sales, Inc. | Modular mat system |
US11060301B2 (en) | 2019-07-31 | 2021-07-13 | R&L Marketing & Sales, Inc. | Modular mat system |
US11596253B2 (en) | 2019-07-31 | 2023-03-07 | R&L Marketing & Sales, Inc. | Modular mat system |
US20230119367A1 (en) * | 2020-04-16 | 2023-04-20 | Kenichi Nakajima | Mat for cleaning and moving body cleaning device |
US11788918B2 (en) | 2020-06-18 | 2023-10-17 | Trevillyan Labs, Llc | Fluid detection fabric |
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US10582831B2 (en) * | 2017-10-19 | 2020-03-10 | Darren Mckeown | Doormat with changeable display and method therefor |
US20210030255A1 (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2021-02-04 | R&L Marketing & Sales, Inc. | Modular mat system |
US10912443B1 (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2021-02-09 | R&L Marketing & Sales, Inc. | Modular mat system |
US11060301B2 (en) | 2019-07-31 | 2021-07-13 | R&L Marketing & Sales, Inc. | Modular mat system |
US11596253B2 (en) | 2019-07-31 | 2023-03-07 | R&L Marketing & Sales, Inc. | Modular mat system |
US20230119367A1 (en) * | 2020-04-16 | 2023-04-20 | Kenichi Nakajima | Mat for cleaning and moving body cleaning device |
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Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |